Islamic cleric, Dr Ahmad Gumi has called on Nigerians to embark on a peaceful protests as a means of registering their grievances to the government.
Sheik Gumi in a viral video highlighted the importance of peaceful demonstrations while cautioning against the use of violence or incitement.
“Politicians are very stubborn, it is mass protests that only disturb them,” he said.
While addressing worries over comparisons with past protests in countries like Sudan, Lebanon, and Liberia, Sheik Gumi pinpointed Nigeria’s unique diversity.
“In Sudan and Liberia, the conflicts were like family feuds, which are very dangerous. But Nigeria is different, with diverse ethnicities, religions, cultures, tribes, and sects,” he explained, noting internal tensions even within religious sects like the Izala in Nigeria.
Also, the Islamic cleric expressed strong believe that peaceful protests would convey the public’s demand for good governance and development.
“Protest is the only language the government understands,” he asserted, urging authorities to heed the calls for reform and improvement.
Speaking on the past political actions, Sheik Gumi berated the government’s response to protests, contrasting it with previous protests led by current officials.
“In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari and other top All Progressives Congress (APC) officials came out to protest that the previous government had spoiled Nigeria. Then, protest was legal but now it’s illegal,” he pointed out, lamenting the inconsistency in how protests are viewed and treated.
“God willing, the protest will proceed peacefully, and the government must understand and respond positively to the language of protest,” Sheik Gumi concluded, calling for constructive dialogue and meaningful reforms for the benefit of all Nigerians.
